Model Born With “Cat Eye Syndrome” Stars In Stunning High Fashion Photo Shoot

Caitin Stickels, 29, is a Seattle-based model/actress/singer who was born with Schmid-Fraccaro, or Cat Eye Syndrome – a rare chromosomal disorder which can cause facial disfigurements such as a cleft palate and an absence of tissue from the colored part of the eyes which gives them a “cat-like” appearance.

More info: Instagram, Nick Knight, V Magazine (h/t: elle)

While Stickels may not conform to the fashion industry’s “traditional” beauty standards, she’s currently featured in an absolutely stunning editorial for V magazine, having been discovered on Instagram and then shot by much-famed photographer Nick Knight.